February 04, Colombo (LNW): In his Independence Day message, President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended an invitation to all Sri Lankans, both within the country and abroad, urging them to channel their collective efforts towards the noble mission of national rebuilding.

Acknowledging the nation’s progressive achievements, President Wickremesinghe attributed these successes to the unwavering support of the citizens who endured challenges as part of a comprehensive, long-term national rebuilding programme.

In his address, the President expressed optimism that challenges faced on this journey would gradually dissipate, leading to a lighter burden on citizens, a fortified economy, and a renaissance for Mother Sri Lanka.

Reflecting on the country’s journey since gaining independence in 1948, President Wickremesinghe noted that global expectations had envisioned Sri Lanka as a developed nation in the East, given its favorable background.

However, acknowledging past deviations and economic challenges, he emphasised the need to learn from past mistakes and collectively commit to the current growth trajectory.

As Sri Lanka is globally acknowledged for its current growth trajectory, President Wickremesinghe called upon the nation to use Independence Day as a platform for a collective resolution to persist on the path of progress and restore prosperity.

Full Statement:

As we commemorated the 75th year of our nation’s independence, we encountered the indignity of being labeled a financially bankrupt country. Nevertheless, upon the advent of the 76th Independence Day, we have effectively navigated through these challenges, steering the economy toward stability despite numerous impediments and challenges. 

Achievements were realised progressively, owing to the steadfast support of our citizens who endured hardships in keeping with a comprehensive, long-term national rebuilding programme. Throughout this journey, challenges will gradually dissipate, life’s burdens will lighten, the economy will fortify and Mother Sri Lanka will undergo a renaissance. 

Upon gaining independence in 1948, global expectations envisioned Sri Lanka evolving into a developed nation in the East, given our favourable background. Regrettably, we deviated from this course and found ourselves grappling with economic difficulties.  

It is imperative that we obtain insights from past mistakes and avoid their repetition. With the current growth trajectory acknowledged globally, let us collectively resolve on this Independence Day to persist on this path and reinstate prosperity. 

I invite all Sri Lankans, at home and abroad, to contribute their utmost energy to the noble mission of rebuilding our nation. 

1. SL celebrates its 76th anniversary of its Independence after 453 years of foreign rule: in 1948, when SL gained independence, SL had only 1 university, 98% of roads were clay, 90% of people were below the poverty line, only 1% had electricity, less than 1% had water on tap, and only a handful of people had telephones: literacy was 35% and average life expectancy was 45 years.
   
2. Most Ven Tibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayaka Thera of the Malwatte Chapter welcomes the Online Safety Act: says the new law meets the requirements of the changing society: recollects that he too underwent an experience where social media published distorted news & views
   regarding him.
   
3. Former President Chandrika Kumaratunge urges the Govt to withdraw the Online Safety Act and the Anti-Terrorism Bill: claims those are dangerous acts which could be used by the Govt at any time to violate people’s fundamental rights: calls upon youth and people to act democratically against these laws.
   
4. Thailand’s PM Srettha Thavisin arrives in SL for a 2-day official visit: witnesses the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Thailand & SL: the FTA is said to be aimed at enhancing market opportunities covering various aspects including Trade in Goods, Investment, Customs Procedure, & Intellectual Property Rights.
   
5. An IMF team is due to undertake a 2-week study to determine modalities for introducing a Property tax: also expected to engage with stakeholders.
   
6. Indian Navy submarine “INS Karanj” arrives at the Colombo Port ahead of SL’s 76th Independence Day celebrations: the submarine is 67.5 metres long with a crew of 53: Navy says the docking symbolises strengthened maritime relations between India & SL.
   
7. Investigators say that Ajith Indrasiri, one of the alleged gunmen in the shooting at Beliatta last week that left 5 persons dead, had fled to Dubai the day after the killings: assert that Indrasiri’s wife was also involved in the planning of the killings: arrest the gunman’s wife.
   
8. Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court over the issue of the import of substandard human Immunoglobulin injections and remanded till 15th February: thereafter admitted to the Prisons Hospital on medical recommendation.
   
9. Analysts say the successful bidder for SLTelecom will gain more than 500 lands (lots) extending to hundreds of acres around the island and worth billions: India’s Jio Platforms and China’s Gotune International Investment Holdings are the pre-qualified bidders for 50.23% of shares owned by the Govt.
   
10. SL gain upper hand at the end of the 2nd day’s play in the Cricket Test match between SL & Afghanistan: SL 410/6 at close of play: Angela Mathews 141, Dinesh Chandimal 107, Dimuth Karunaratne 77: AFG was all out for 198 on the previous day.

By: Isuru Parakrama

February 04, Colombo (LNW): Showers will occur at times in Eastern and Uva provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Matale districts, and several spells of showers may occur in Anuradhapura and Hambantota districts, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (04).

Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m., the statement added.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

The public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

Marine Weather:

February 03, Colombo (LNW): The Prime Minister of Thailand, Srettha Thavisin, arrived in Sri Lanka this (03) afternoon for a two-day official visit.

Welcomed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake by his Sri Lankan counterpart, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, PM Thavisin’s visit holds strategic significance.

During his stay from 03 – 04 February 2024, Prime Minister Thavisin is an esteemed guest of honour at the national ceremony marking the 76th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s Independence.

A highlight of his agenda includes witnessing the historic signing of the Sri Lanka – Thailand Free Trade Agreement (SLTFTA) during official discussions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

In addition to diplomatic discussions, a Sri Lanka-Thailand Business Forum, organised by relevant departments from both nations, is scheduled at the Kingsbury Hotel.

The forum aims to facilitate strategic economic collaborations and is expected to be attended by top-level business delegates from Thailand.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, and Jakkapong Sangmanee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, this visit underscores the commitment to fostering bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Thailand.

February 03, Colombo (LNW): In commemoration of the 76th National Independence Day, President Ranil Wickremsinghe has exercised the powers vested in the office by Article 34 of the Constitution to grant a special state amnesty to a group of prisoners.

A total of 754 prisoners, comprising 729 male prisoners and 25 female prisoners, have been identified as eligible for this presidential pardon.

The amnesty will result in the release of these individuals from various prisons across the island.

This initiative aligns with the longstanding tradition of extending clemency on significant national occasions and reflects the President’s authority to grant special state amnesty in accordance with constitutional provisions.

By: Staff Writer

February 03, Colombo (LNW): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) could hold back the next tranche of funding for Sri Lanka under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) if the government fails to show good faith and hold constructive talks with private creditors.

Several private creditors said that while the Government has been having extensive talks with bilateral creditors, including China, similar discissions have not been held with the private creditors.

“The size of private creditors is very significant and Sri Lanka cannot rely only on IMF or China money,” sources said.

Senior Mission Chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Peter Breuer had said recently that the IMF anticipates that Sri Lanka will secure an agreement with its commercial creditors, including bondholders and the China Development Bank, ahead of the next review.

The Government has gained momentous progress on the debt restructuring process with the successful completion of the Domestic Debt Optimisation (DDO) which is expected to extend the maturity of domestic debt and reduce the stress on government finances, Central Bank Governor Nandalal Weerasinghe disclosed recently

However several private creditors rejected this claim stating that they  will do “everything they can” to block the next IMF review and tranche for Sri Lanka if the Government does not actively engage with them.

“The private creditors believe it is the only way to get the Sri Lankan authorities to talk to them,”

Sources said there is dissatisfaction at Sri Lanka’s approach towards private creditors, and that Sri Lanka’s credibility with international capital markets will “disintegrate”.

One source noted that Sri Lanka has debt obligations that are under contract and are in default and so litigation cannot be ruled out

Nevertheless Sri Lanka has entered into an agreement in principle (AIP) with both the Official Creditors Committee (OCC) and the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM Bank) for debt restructuring., Weerasinghe said.

The CB Governor also noted that negotiations with other external and commercial creditors are continuing expressing expectations that agreements will be reached with them soon.

However, it is still to reach consensus on the debt restructuring with sovereign bond holders, who had lent over US $25 billion before the Sri Lanka declared debt repayment stand still or preemptive default in April 2022.

The government will conclude the MOUs with them and striking a deal on plans of the issuance of new bonds with longer maturity by cancelling previous ones and differ interest rates, he disclosed.

The private creditor noted that there have been “too polite” in the process to give Sri Lanka plenty of space for good faith engagement but if there is no such engagement then other alternatives will need to be looked at.

“Everybody started the process hopeful that the new President (Ranil Wickremesinghe) could do things better than the previous regime. There was so much hope but now it is turning into so much disappointment,” sources said.

The private creditors fear that Sri Lanka is moving at a very slow pace in dealing with private creditors owing to domestic politics and the upcoming elections.

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said that Sri Lanka wants to finalise the debt resolution as early as possible which will be beneficial to all creditors, including the bond holders and commercial creditors.

By: Staff Writer

February 03, Colombo (LNW): The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is helping Sri Lanka strengthen border governance and ensure the safe, orderly, and dignified return and readmission of migrants.

The IOM, in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) training arm and the Sri Lanka Airport and Aviation Academy (SLAAA), facilitated training of 15 Immigration Officers attached to the Border Surveillance Unit (BSU) on ICAO Traveller Identification Programme (TRIP) Strategy.

The primary objective of this training was to deliver an ICAO accredited training course for Immigration Officers on the Traveller Identification Programme Strategy. Through the standardized curriculum delivered as part of the Sri Lanka Readmission Project,

IOM aimed to enhance the department’s traveller identity management capabilities, better aligning them with international standards. By providing internationally recognized training, the programme sought to strengthen border governance and contribute towards the safe, orderly, and dignified return and readmission of migrants.

The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, I. S. H. J. Ilukpitiya in acknowledging the significance of this training initiative stated,“This programme, made possible through the generous support of the European Union and the efforts of the International Organization for Migration, marks a significant step forward in fortifying our border governance measures.

The enhanced skills and knowledge acquired by our officers will undoubtedly contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations, ensuring the safe and secure movement of travellers in line with international standards.

 He said “we appreciate the collaborative spirit that has made this achievement possible and look forward to continued partnerships in advancing our capabilities.”

The successful completion of the capacity building programme was commemorated with a certificate award ceremony held at the Department of Immigration and Emigration last week.

The event was graced by the presence of the Controller General, Senior Executive Staff of the Department, SLAAA staff, and the IOM project team.

“This milestone not only acknowledges the dedication of the Department of Immigration and Emigration officials, but also highlights IOM’s commitment towards strengthening strategic partnerships and enhancing capacities to combat irregular migration while facilitating regular pathways” IOM Sri Lanka Chief of Mission Sarat Dash shared.

The collaboration between IOM, ICAO, and SLAAA stands as a testament to the collective efforts in building a robust framework for immigration and border governance.

The project was delivered under the European Readmission Capacity Building Facility (EURCAP) funded by the European Union.

February 03, Colombo (LNW): Former Health Minister, currently serving as the Environment Minister, Keheliya Rambukwella, has been remanded until February 15, as per the directives of the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

The prominent lawmaker was presented before the court this (03) morning.

This development follows the arrest of Minister Rambukwella by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday (02), in connection with the alleged procurement of substandard human intravenous immunoglobulin.

The arrest came subsequent to his appearance before the CID earlier that morning, adhering to a court order issued the previous day.

Minister Rambukwella underwent an extensive interrogation lasting nearly 10 hours before being officially taken into custody.